What is boiler scaling?
When component solubility limitations are surpassed and the resultant compounds precipitate onto the tube surfaces, boiler scale develops directly on heat transmission surfaces. Calcium, magnesium, phosphate, iron, and silica may be found in these deposits. Calcium carbonate generates a tenacious boiler scale when calcium precipitates as calcium carbonate.
How are scales formed?
Because of the huge variety of substances that may be dissolved in water, water is referred to as a universal solvent. Even while this is true, any material can only dissolve in water up to a specific point, which is known as its solubility. When a substance's concentration in a water sample exceeds this solubility limit, it begins to precipitate at the bottom.
Feed water is provided to the boiler in order to produce steam. Many salts (calcium, magnesium, etc.) are present in natural water. These salts are not visible because they are dissolved in water and their amount is below the water's solubility limit. When this feed water enters the boiler, it evaporates, leaving the salts behind. As a result, the concentration of salts continues to rise, and when it reaches the water's solubility limit, the salts are deposited as scales.
Is scaling killing your boilers?
The following are the key issues with scaling:
i) When compared to a boiler without scales, the amount of fuel required is more for the same boiler output.
ii) Because the conductivity of sodium sulphate scale is only a tenth that of steel, it significantly reduces heat flow. Even a tiny layer of scale on the metallic surfaces of the boiler can diminish its efficiency by 20%.
iii) Due to the resistance in heat flow, the metal becomes progressively heated, making it more prone to deformation and rupture.
iv) Scale layers operate as an insulator, lowering the rate of heat transmission from hot zones to water.
Is there a solution for Scaling?
Scaling, which is permanent boiler tube damage, can be caused by improper water treatment or not treating your boiler water at all. To avoid scaling, boiler water should be routed through a water softener before being fed to the boiler. Netsol water softener removes hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause scaling and corrosion in boiler tubes. Scale deposits act as an insulator, preventing correct heat transmission, lowering boiler efficiency, and causing costly downtime and even early boiler failure.
How are Water Softeners important in boiler water treatment?
Pre-treatment of boiler water requires the use of water softeners. Water softeners remove metals from hard water and replace them with sodium ions in a process known as ion exchange, resulting in "softer" water.
The importance of water softeners for boiler treatment is due to the fact that poor water treatment is one of the leading causes of irreparable boiler tube damage. It's vital to use a water softener to pre-treat your boiler's water in order to keep it functioning efficiently for a long period.
The Bottom Line – Soft Water Supply
To minimize damage and costly repairs, it's critical to keep your boiler supplied with soft water at all times. When water softening is paired with a dependable water treatment chemical programs and blowdown schedule, boiler system performance may be assured for many years.
Netsol Water is Greater Noida-based leading water & wastewater treatment plant manufacturer. We are industry's most demanding company based on client review and work quality. We are known as best commercial RO plant manufacturers, industrial RO plant manufacturer, sewage treatment plant manufacturer, Water Softener Plant Manufacturers and effluent treatment plant manufacturers. Apart from this 24x7 customer support is our USP. Call on +91-9650608473, or write us at enquiry@netsolwater.com for any support, inquiry or product-purchase related query.